Now Casting: Dorothea Barth-Jörgensen

When Dorothea Barth-Jörgensen isn’t working with top photographers or walking in all of the big-name fashion shows, she’s writing, directing, and starring in her own movies. Originally from Sweden, she grew up dreaming of working with horses and loved knitting. Meet Dorothea:

Where did you grow up?“I grew up in this organic hippie town outside of Stockholm. My sister really rebelled against all of the organic food and woolen clothing, but I loved it. I went to a Waldorf Steiner school, which is a very creative type of schooling. It’s quite strict, but you do a lot knitting, painting, and other crafts. I’ve always loved working with my hands.”What was your first memory of fashion?“My sister had Buffalo platform shoes, skinny white pants, super strong eyebrows, and dyed blonde hair. I was much younger and I remember thinking, ‘that looks fucking awesome.'”

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How were you discovered?“I was doing a play at school and my teacher said that I should go to the Dramatic Institute in Stockholm. So I went and while I was there, I got scouted. Then I won the Elite model competition in Sweden. I never really wanted to be a model, but it was such easy money. After a few small jobs, my agents sent my photos to Steven Meisel. He really liked me, so I came to New York and everything exploded. That was six years ago and I’ve lived in New York ever-since!”

What was the first big runway show that you walked in?“My first big show was Calvin Klein. I didn’t really have time to think what was happening, I just jumped in.”

What has been your favorite modeling career moment so far?“Shooting with Paolo Roversi has been a highlight for me so far. When he takes a photo of you, it’s like he’s looking inside you. He captures your feelings. Working with Steven Meisel is also always super fun.”

Favorite designer?“I love Karl Lagerfeld. Working with him is always amazing. He takes care of models so well and the way his shows are structured is always fun and really well organized. Clothing-wise, I love to wear Givenchy.”

What is the best modeling advice you have been given?“I think the most important thing to remember while modeling is to try to always be yourself and to be humble. Being a model is very up and down, so you want people to like working with you in case you fall on harder times.”

What would people be surprised to know about you?“When I was younger, I dreamed about working with horses. I was so into them, I would go riding everyday. I used to imagine that I could whisper to them and that we’d communicate on another level. I don’t really ride anymore, but I went to Costa Rica a few weeks ago and I went riding every morning on the beach and it made me remember how much I love it.”

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What is your personal approach to beauty?“I’m obsessed with Ren skincare. They have a cream that helps to renew your skin cells, but it’s all natural. I just apply it whenever I’m feeling puffy and it really helps.”

What do you do to stay in shape for your job?“I do pilates and boxing. I get bored of certain routines so I need to change what I’m doing constantly.”

Which actress would you pick to play you in a movie?“Probably my little sister. We’re exactly the same but she’s my half-sister. She would be perfect.”

Do you have any exciting projects coming up?“I’ve been writing a film for half a year and I’m really excited because we’re going to shoot it in upstate New York this month. It’s about 15 minutes long and focuses on the relationship between a father and his daughter. I’m playing the daughter. There’s a certain amount of Scandinavian dryness to the script, so it’s less about what is said and more about what’s implied.”

Where do you see yourself in ten years?“In ten years, I see myself acting, creating my own movies, and working with lots of awesome, real people who want something more than just money and fame.”

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